Peninsular (Desert) Bighorn

Ovis canadensis has been listed under the California State Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1971 and the Federal Endangered Species Act since 1998, but their numbers continue to decline rapidly due to urban expansion and mountain lion predation. Current estimates are that less than 800 remain in the US, with some estimates as low as 335.

A Peninsular Bighorn (Desert Bighorn) ram rests atop a large rock and chews his cud at midday in Borrego Palm Canyon, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California. Ovis canadensis has been listed under the California State Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1971 and the Federal Endangered Species Act since 1998, but their numbers continue to decline rapidly due to urban expansion and mountain lion predation. Current estimates are that less than 800 remain in the US, with some estimates as low as 335.

Peninsular bighorn (desert bighorn) ram crossing a dry riverbed in Borrego Palm Canyon, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California. Ovis canadensis cremnobates has been listed under the California State Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1971 and the Federal Endangered Species Act since 1998, but their numbers continue to decline rapidly due to urban expansion and mountain lion predation. Current estimates are that less than 800 remain in the US, with some estimates as low as 335.

Peninsular (desert) bighorn ram (ovis canadensis cremnobates, later ovis canadensis nelsoni)in a riverbed in Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.Ovis canadensis has been listed under the California State Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1971 and the Federal Endangered Species Act since 1998, but their numbers continue to decline rapidly due to urban expansion and mountain lion predation. Current estimates are that less than 800 remain in the US, with some estimates as low as 335.

Just look at those gorgeous hazel eyes! Although I was set up across the stream from the herd, this ram crossed over to check me out a few times.

Peninsular (desert) bighorn ram in a riverbed in Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.Ovis canadensis has been listed under the California State Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1971 and the Federal Endangered Species Act since 1998, but their numbers continue to decline rapidly due to urban expansion and mountain lion predation. Current estimates are that less than 800 remain in the US, with some estimates as low as 335.

Peninsular (desert) bighorn sheep (ovis canadensis cremnobates) in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This ram was keeping a close eye on the ewe as she came down from the cliff to drink at the stream. He escorted her the entire way and stood watch at her side while she drank.